After receiving limited attention during its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, “The Apprentice,” featuring Sebastian Stan portraying a young Donald Trump, has now secured a distributor committed to releasing the film ahead of the crucial Nov. 5 presidential election. Briarcliff Entertainment is set to unveil “The Apprentice” on Oct. 11 in theaters across the United States and Canada, as reported by the Associated Press. This timing places the film’s release just weeks before voters make their way to the polls.
Directed by Ali Abbasi, a Danish-Iranian filmmaker known for his distinctive storytelling, “The Apprentice” had faced challenges in finding a distributor. Despite Abbasi’s fervent efforts to ensure the film reached audiences before the election, larger studios and distributors showed little interest in acquiring it. In early June, Abbasi expressed his frustration on X, stating that “for some reason certain power people in your country don’t want you to see it!!!”
Abbasi’s commitment to releasing “The Apprentice” before the election underscores the film’s potential impact on public opinion during this pivotal period. The narrative delves into the early life of Donald Trump, offering viewers a unique perspective on his formative years. By securing an Oct. 11 release date, Briarcliff Entertainment aims to provide audiences ample opportunity to watch and reflect on the film’s themes before casting their ballots.
In summary, “The Apprentice” stands as a significant cinematic work that explores the origins of a figure central to contemporary American politics. With its upcoming release strategically timed before the election, the film seeks to engage and provoke thought among voters, highlighting Ali Abbasi’s dedication to sharing this story despite initial distribution hurdles.